The Monthly Mojo

November 2018

Teaching Tips

Save Time by using time limits and countdowns.

During any transition, give time limits. 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 60 seconds. Whatever you think is appropriate, and then make it a bit shorter. The students will move much faster with a little time pressure.

Be sure to remind students of the intervals as they pass. It looks this:

• “Okay students, clear off your desks and take out your writing notebooks. You have 30 seconds.”
• Students start the transition.
• Teacher gives the interval, “20 seconds left.”
• Students hurry up and then, “10 seconds left.”
• In the final stretch, use a countdown, “5, 4, 3…”

Professional Reading

Guided Reading Quick Checklist and Tips (Article with Video)

University ‘not for people’ Like Us: Interesting story of education and social mobility.

“I think that there’s still plenty of opportunities, but I’m not so sure that it’s better than it was 30 years ago,” he says.

Let’s Put The Science of Reading in Teachers’ Hands, So Kids Aren’t Left Behind: I began to wonder what becomes of families where parents work several jobs and barely have time to meet with the teachers.

Thankful For Teachers: A Thanksgiving message from Matt to you.

Who’s Doing the Work? (Amazon Link): This book suggests ways to make small but powerful adjustments to instruction that hold students accountable for their own learning.

New & Upcoming Resources (Grades 3-5 & 5-7)

For the Holidays!

Here’s a mixture of games, PowerPoints, videos, close reading, and task cards. Preview them on this blog post. 

Happy Thanksgiving!